Looking at the key issues affecting civil society, philanthropy, social investment and the use of new technologies for social good.

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About Giving Thought

Giving Thought Blog

Giving Thought is a blog by the Charities Aid Foundation’s Policy and Campaigns team looking at the key issues affecting civil society, philanthropy, social investment and the use of new technologies for social good.

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We consider what is happening right now, and also scan the horizon for the most interesting developments to try and understand what will be important in the future.

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This blog is intended as a space to test ideas and hopefully spark debate.

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The topics covered and the views expressed do not represent CAF’s official policy positions.

We help donors – including individuals, major donors and companies – to give more effectively whilst providing financial and fundraising solutions for charities in the UK and internationally, helping good causes to manage their resources more effectively.

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We also have a strong track record in research , policy and advocacy; working across a range of issues to ensure the best possible funding environment for charities.

Visit the Giving Thought think-tank

Giving Though blog has moved to the Giving Though think-tank on CAFonline

BUY THE BOOK – Public Good by Private Means: How philanthropy shapes Britain

This is CAF's new book, which explores the history of philanthropy in the UK and what it can tell us about the role of philanthropy in modern society and some of the challenges it faces. You can buy the book from Amazon and The Directory of Social Change. Ebook versions are available from Amazon (Kindle version) and Selz (ePub version).

VIDEO: Giving Unchained- could the blockchain transform charity?

This is the video of a talk Rhodri gave at the inaugural Together We're Better annual conference, which looks at the interesection of technology and social good. Rhodri spoke about the work he has been doing over the last few years looking at the potential impact of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency on the work of charities

This paper considers the impact that blockchain technology could have on the way in which charities are created and regulated. It argues that many of the functions of charity regulation could be achieved (or even improved) without the need for standalone regulatory organisations. This could make regulation more effective while at the same time reducing costs.

Report: “Giving Unchained: philanthropy and the blockchain”

This discussion paper explores the potential challenges and opportunities for philanthropy presented by blockchain technology. The blockchain is the decentralised, shared public ledger that underpins Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, but also has far wider applications. The report looks at the role blockchain tech could play in boosting transparency and trust in charities; the impact of new assets becoming available for giving, and the potential for "smart contracts" that govern philanthropy. This even leads to the suggestion that in the future, "smart" domestic appliances could become philanthropists.

Report: “Giving a Bit(coin): cryptocurrency and philanthropy”

This discussion paper looks at some of the implications for the future of philanthropy and charitable giving of new models of online 'cryptocurrencies', such as Bitcoin. It highlights some of the challenges and opportunities, and raises a series of key questions that need to be addressed if the potential of 'crypto-philanthropy' is to be realised.

Report: “Do As I Say, Not As I Do: UK policy and the global closing space for civil society

An independent civil society is an essential part of any modern democracy. Civil society organisations play an integral role in every corner of the globe, not least in the UK where their contribution to civic life has had a profound impact on our nation’s history. However, a number of recent policies introduced in the UK have led to criticism from civil society organisations, who fear that their independence and ability to act as advocates for their beneficiaries is under attack. This report, 'Do As I Say, Not As I Do', explores recent policy developments affecting the advocacy function of civil society organisations in the UK as well as the nature of the UK's soft power and the different ways in which it can be wielded. It was produced to coincide with a visit from the UN’s Special Rapporteur on the rights to peaceful assembly and association, who spoke about the report at an event in Parliament.

Book extract: The Labour Party, the Welfare State and Charitable Giving

This is an extract from a forthcoming book about the role of modern philanthropy, seen from a historical and policy perspective. This extract considers the changing fortunes of charities and philanthropy in the years following the creation of the welfare state, and the changing attitudes of political parties towards the voluntary sector.

TEDx talk: Philanthropy and the City of London

This is the video of a talk by Rhodri Davies at TEDx Squaremile in Nov 2014. The theme of the event was "the power of purpose", and Rhodri's talk argued that the City needs to rediscover the sense of philanthropic purpose that led it to be a major force for social good in the past.

Report: “Returns Policy: What the Next Decade Holds for Social Investment”

This report outlines our views on the key issues affecting the social investment market in the UK over the coming decade. We argue that it is crucial that charities are not left behind as politicians and policymakers focus on a grand vision for the future in which it is possible for investors to get both social returns and commercial-rate financial returns.

Report “Give Me Break: Why the UK should not aspire to a ‘US-style’ culture of charitable giving”

This report examines the differences between charitable giving in the US and the UK. It argues that while there are clearly things the UK can learn from the US, we must be careful not to assume that everything that works in the US will work here, and that what we really need is to develop a uniquely British culture of giving.